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Saturday, June 11, 2011

I Just Switched to Linux Mint. Goodbye Windows 7.

After years of thinking about it, I finally dumped Windows and installed Linux on my laptop (Lenovo Y410). In fact, I'm posting this from my Mint-powered laptop. I choose Linux Mint because of the good reviews I read prior to deciding what my chosen distro will be. Basically it is a fine-tuned Ubuntu. I was surprised to see that Mint is closing in on Ubuntu in terms of popularity according to Distrowatch.com's page hit ranking. The first time I looked at Mint (version 8), it is way behind Ubuntu. But now it is in 2nd place and it looks like it will overtake Ubuntu sooner or later.

Why just now?

Like I said, this is a plan that started brewing eons of years ago. I'm one of the proponents of Linux. I really like to get rid of all Microsoft products in my system. But my job as a computer technician makes it impossible. Recent developments with my job is the indirect reason why I just switched now.

I recently relocated here in Thailand (Bangkok). I arrived here January of this year. Upon arrival, I started offering computer and laptop repair. I created a website, made a Google Maps/Places listing and post my services in different forums that caters expats in Bangkok like craigslist and thaivisa.com. While it gave me additional income along with my online ventures, I felt that it is not enough. The school season came and I apply for a teaching job as a computer instructor. I was hired and long story short, I am now teaching computer along with English subjects here. No, I don't stop repairing computers and laptop because it is still my first love but time passes by without me repairing computers.

So, I made the switch. All the programs I used essentially have its Linux counterpart. So I don't miss Windows 7 that much. Although my migration is successful, I'm still getting the hang of it. But for me, this is the easiest Linux variant out there if you're migrating from Windows. It even feels the same. I'm just not used to the keyboard shortcuts and some of the settings I'm still looking for, but all in all, it was a swift transition.

10 comments:

Good to hear that you're starting to explore the open source software. I'm actually thinking of trying out linux also but because most of my family members are ease on using windows, I can't still decide now.

I like Open Office. I wish it didn't try to make you register on install, but Office Writer does everything I want, and exports to PDF. I save everything as a PDF, and just email those. Everyone can print what I send and it will look exact. That's not true of any version of MS Office, across time, etc.

Ubuntu is my favorite. Linux mint is still behind a bit, but at least it is based off the debian packages. I have used most all Linux distributions, and Ubuntu had provided me a stable environment and an abundant resource for working and supported programs.If you enjoy a more lightweight installation, try PuppyLinux. Also, slackware is great, but not for the novice Linux user.